The tides are shifting, and there are subtle changes in the slant of light that shines through the sycamore trees at dawn. Summer’s waning, and here we are again, drifting slowly into autumn.
In Southern California, the changes are more subtle. And yet every season brings ashore its own treasures. This is just one of the secrets I learned by reading Ann Morrow Lindberg’s beautiful book, Gift from the Sea.
I thumbed through my copy again last week…familiar passages, fresh insights. Like this one, which speaks to me of nature’s transitions, and to the more intimate changes in our own lives.
Perhaps this is the most important thing for me to take back from beach-living:
simply the memory that each cycle of the tide is valid;
each cycle of the wave is valid;
each cycle of a relationship is valid.
And my shells? I can sweep them all into my pocket.
They are only there to remind me that the sea recedes and returns eternally.
Beautiful honoring of seasons and cycles in nature. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, my tide pool companion! I’m so glad we get to witness these transitions together. xo
Most beautiful thing I’ve read in days, weeks, months. Love Gift from the Sea. I know you know this. It is my favorite gift to give my closest friends. And your pictures truly make it a full circle experience.
Namaste and love, my friend,
Anna
We share a love of the ocean–magnificent in its own right, but teeming with miracles big and small, and beauty. I’m so glad we’re friends, and will be, through more tide shifts than I’d ever be able to count. xo
Anne Morrow Lindbergh would love your tribute, I’m sure.
I’d be hard-pressed to think of a better compliment, Jeannine. I’ve loved her since my mother handed me a library copy of this book. I don’t know how she came across it, initially, but I’m awfully glad she did.
beautiful….both the words, and your perfectly matched pictures. It says so much my heart knows from my own love for the sea.
Thank you for sharing, Melodye
<3 We share the same heart; learn more everyday about our shared love for so many things; and live in gratitude for the comforting sameness of moonlit skies and brilliant sunshine. So glad we're friends, Pamela! xo
We’ve talked about your “seasons”. Even if us lowly humans can’t tell the difference, our wild mentors will show us the way.
Yes, they do. In wild and subtle ways, they reveal the truths we feel but cannot see. Thanks for stopping by, Tony. Always good to see your friendly icon. 🙂